Company pledges more information on windfarm plans

A COMPANY planning the development of seven wind turbines on land to the east of Kilbane has pledged to provide more detailed information to residents over the coming months.

EDF Renewables Ireland, which has confirmed plans to develop a 50MW wind farm, held a public consultation clinic on Tuesday, August 16 last when residents were invited to discuss their views and concerns with members of the project team.

The proposed Lackareagh Wind Farm, which could power more than 35,000 homes, will be located in the townlands of Killeagy and Shannaknock.

In an information leaflet provided to residents on Tuesday, the company stated it would be carrying out more detailed environmental studies at the site, including ecology, noise, landscape and visual assessments as well as measuring wind speeds.

The results of these studies along with feedback gathered throughout consultation with communities will be used to determine the final turbine layout.

The company will also be undertaking a transport and access study to assess the best routes for construction vehicles and for bringing turbine components to the site.

The company has pledged to circulate an information leaflet to all homes within a two kilometre radius of the site boundary to introduce the project and encourage open and transparent two-way dialogue from an early stage.

It stated, “EDF Renewables Ireland’s team has a wealth of experience in bringing complex development projects to fruition, across onshore and offshore wind, solar PV and battery storage technology, and is supported by more than 300 colleagues in the UK.

“The Kilbane site has been identified as “Open for Consideration” under the current Clare County Development Plan Wind Energy Strategy.

“We are currently in the process of gathering wind data and mapping the environmental constraints on site. We will use this information to create a preliminary wind turbine layout and will consult you further on this in the coming months.

“The project will also include access tracks, a substation a temporary construction compound, a permanent meteorological mast, underground cabling and a grid connection that links the wind farm to the national grid.”

The company intends to submit a planning application and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report in support of the project, which could consist of up to seven turbines, to Clare County Council later this year or early 2023. Subject to planning permission, the wind farm could be operational by 2026.

A Community Benefit Fund commensurate with the size of the final project will be established to provide funding for local community initiatives and activities as part of the company’s long term commitment to the local area.

“These funds will go towards supporting positive initiatives and activities. A proportion of the Community Benefit Fund will also be allocated to a Near Neighbour Fund that will directly benefit the project’s closest neighbours.

“Lackareagh Wind Farm will also pay a significant amount in rates to Clare County Council over the lifetime of the project.”

Commenting on the announcement, Kevin Daly, Head of Development at EDF Renewables Ireland, said: “With the effects of the climate crisis becoming ever more visible, projects like Lackareagh Wind Farm are more important than ever.

“Ireland has ambitious targets to deliver 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of this decade, and onshore wind is the most efficient means of achieving this.”

For more information email lackareaghwindfarm@edf-re.ie.

Dan Danaher